Pilates and Acne
Regular exercise is one of the essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Not only does it help keep your body in shape, but it also improves your mood, reduces stress, and enhances your overall well-being. Pilates, in particular, has become one of the most popular exercise routines worldwide, thanks to its many benefits. However, did you know that Pilates could be one of the reasons why you’re breaking out? In this blog post, we’ll discuss how Pilates can cause acne breakouts and what you can do to prevent it.
1. Sweat can cause acne
Sweat is an essential part of any physical activity. It’s your body’s way of regulating its temperature and releasing toxins. However, when sweat mixes with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, it can cause blockages in your pores, leading to breakouts. Since Pilates is a low-impact exercise routine, you might not sweat as much as you would during high-intensity workouts. However, if you’re doing more advanced Pilates sessions, your heart rate and respiration can increase, leading to excessive sweating.
Prevention Tip: Always shower after Pilates and wash your workout clothes regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and sweat.
2. Tight clothing can trap sweat and bacteria
Pilates routines involve lots of stretching and movements that require you to wear tight-fitting clothing. While this may be fashionable and comfortable, tight clothing can trap sweat, bacteria, and oil against your skin, leading to acne breakouts. If you’re not careful, you might end up with a type of acne called acne mechanica, which is caused by excess pressure, friction, or heat.
Prevention Tip: Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing made of materials that wick away sweat, such as cotton or spandex.
3. Pore-clogging products can worsen breakouts
Before and after Pilates workouts, you might be tempted to use makeup and skincare products to enhance your appearance. However, some of these products may contain pore-clogging ingredients such as oils, silicones, and fragrances. If you’re using these products and sweat, you’re likely to experience more acne breakouts.
Prevention Tip: Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products that won’t clog your pores.
4. Pilates mats and equipment can harbor bacteria
Pilates equipment such as mats, straps, and blocks can harbor bacteria, sweat, and oil, which can transfer onto your skin during workouts. If you’re using communal equipment, you’re also at risk of contamination from other users.
Prevention Tip: Always wipe down and sanitize your Pilates equipment before and after use. If possible, bring your mat and personal equipment to your Pilates sessions.
5. Stress can worsen acne
Pilates is supposed to help alleviate stress, but if you’re not careful, it can cause more problems than it solves. Stress can trigger acne breakouts by stimulating your oil glands and increasing inflammation in your skin.
Prevention Tip: Practice stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to complement your Pilates routine.
Now that you know how Pilates can cause acne breakouts, you can take steps to prevent it. Always shower after workouts, wear loose-fitting clothing, use non-comedogenic skincare products, sanitize your Pilates equipment, and practice stress-relieving techniques. Remember, Pilates is supposed to improve your health, not worsen it. Follow these tips, and you can enjoy all the benefits of Pilates while keeping your skin clear and blemish-free.
If you have any questions about your skin, skincare regime, acne or any product recommendations please feel free to contact us here and one of our Vasseur team will get right back to you.
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